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| Saint Margaret Clitherow hiding liturgical items for Mass © 2009 Mary's Dowry Productions Screenshot from 'Saint Margaret Clitherow DVD |
The Martyrs' Graves
Blessed James Thompson - Secular Priest
Reading for 28th November
Taken from 'Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales
by Henry Sebastian Bowden
Born in York, he was a devout Catholic, and was deprived of a pension which he had, owing to his fidelity to the old religion. With the desire of consecrating his life to God he went over to Rheims in 1580, but fell so ill that his life was despaired of. He begged Dr Allen to allow him to be ordained without delay, as he believed God intended to employ him on the English mission. A dispensation was obtained and he received all the sacred orders within twelve days, though he was so ill he could scarcely stand. He regained sufficient strength to proceed to England, but was arrested after scarcely a year's ministry. He confessed that he was a priest, and refused the oath of supremacy, declaring he would certainly not fight against the pope. He was led to prison in irons, was tried and condemned, and suffered at the Knavesmire in York on 28th November 1582. Like many other martyrs, James was pestered by officials and ministers at the scaffold: "You say you come here to give me patience, but you are not patient yourselves. May God forgive you."
In her visits to his grave and that of other martyrs, Saint Margaret Clitherow found strength for her own passion.
"We would not have you ignorant, brethren, of our tribulation...We were pressed out of measure...so that we were weary even of life." - 2 Cor. 1,8.
Saint Margaret Clitherow:
In the historical context of Saint Margaret's time in history, the spiritual aspects of her faith bore fruit in her simple daily tasks, fulfilled in her intention of serving her fellow York citizens, sheltering hunted priests and making sure that her children received a proper Catholic education in a climate of Elizabethan hostility. Her conflict with the Earl of Huntington, Queen Elizabeth I's cousin, culminated in a poignant and moving witness for the Catholic Church in England. She is held up and remembered inspiringly for Christians today.
In the historical context of Saint Margaret's time in history, the spiritual aspects of her faith bore fruit in her simple daily tasks, fulfilled in her intention of serving her fellow York citizens, sheltering hunted priests and making sure that her children received a proper Catholic education in a climate of Elizabethan hostility. Her conflict with the Earl of Huntington, Queen Elizabeth I's cousin, culminated in a poignant and moving witness for the Catholic Church in England. She is held up and remembered inspiringly for Christians today.
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| Saint Margaret Clitherow shared the faith with everyone she met Screenshot of Saint Margaret in The Shambles from 'Saint Margaret Clitherow' DVD © 2009 Mary's Dowry Productions |
In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with Saint Margaret Clitherow. Closing the distance of time between Elizabethan England and the present day, encounter this inspiring young wife and mother.
Length and Format:
The film runs for one hour and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.
Length and Format:
The film runs for one hour and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.
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